In this interview, Ben explains that over the past 24 years of working with Boys & Girls Clubs across Wisconsin (as well as collaborating with Boys & Girls Clubs of America), he knows the importance of professional artistic instruction to create learning environments that empower youth voice through programming that provides access to high quality technology and culminates in meaningful events and products. Ben took on a leadership role with a pilot initiative launched by Boys & Girls of America to deepen and expand creative youth development and arts programming in the Club.
Ben shares how youth were leveraged every step of the way in their arts programs, from hiring staff to designing studio space and creating culminating products from their imaginations. Throughout the years, Ben’s favorite memories include experimenting, learning from each other, and collaborating with other Clubs and young people to think about how to deepen impact through the arts.